His
small, thin face was almost hidden beneath an immense broad-brimmed hat.
"Now, steady, forward, march!" he said to Maurice and Marie-Anne, who
scarcely recognized him in this disguise.
The town, which they soon reached, was called Saliente. They read the
name upon a guide-post.
The fourth house after entering the place was a hostelry, the
Traveller's Rest. They entered it, and ordered the hostess to take the
young lady to a room and to assist her in disrobing.
The order was obeyed, and Maurice and the corporal went into the
dining-room and ordered something to eat.
The desired refreshments were served, but the glances cast upon the
guests were by no means friendly. It was evident that they were regarded
with suspicion.
A large man, who was apparently the proprietor of the house, hovered
around them, and at last embraced a favorable opportunity to ask their
names.
"My name is Dubois," replied Maurice, without the slightest hesitation.
"I am travelling on business, and this man here is my farmer."
These replies seemed to reassure the host a little.
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